Slow start as Juja residents vote in mini poll - KBC

Voting in Juja by-election kicked off Tuesday in the constituency characterised by a low turnout despite spirited campaigns.

Few voters turned up to cast their votes in most of the polling stations that opened on time at 6.00 am to a smooth start of voting and will run until 5 pm. The poll officials are anticipating queues to start building up later in the day.

Low voter turn-out witnessed in Juja by-election. However, poll officials say the number may increase during the day. #JujaByElection ^KM pic.twitter.com/AZtgwLcwzJ

— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) May 18, 2021

No hitches have been reported so far. The Juja and Bonchari by-elections are being conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission under strict COVID 19 health protocols.

Voters are being biometrically identified using the KIEMS kits before being allowed to vote. Sanitizers and handwashing points have been provided in all polling stations to ensure the safety of voters and poll officials.

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Police have beefed up security in the constituency.

Security beefed up in Juja by-elections. Over hundred thousand eligible voters are expected to cast their votes in a by-election that has attracted 11 candidates. The seat vacant following the demise of Francis Waititu in February. #JujaByElections ^KM pic.twitter.com/XBG2bvdOyj

— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) May 18, 2021

The seat fell vacant following the death of Juja Member of Parliament Francis Munyua Waititu alias Wakapay.

The high stakes poll has attracted 11 candidates but has narrowed down to Jubilee’s Susan Njeri Waititu, People’s Empowerment Party candidate George Koimburi and Joseph Kariuki Gichui, an Independent candidate.

Juja Constituency has about 115,000 registered voters across five wards.

Susan Waititu, the late MP’s wife voted at Jomo Kenyatta DEB Primary shortly after 10:00 am

Jubilee's Susan Waititu casts her ballot at Jomo Kenyatta DEB Primary in the ongoing by-election #JujaByElection ^KM pic.twitter.com/ZphQ9EJEYW

— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) May 18, 2021

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